{{Short description|Nigerian award ceremony}} {{Update|date=September 2024}} {{Use Nigerian English|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox award | name = Trendupp Awards | current_awards = Trendupp Awards 2025 | image = Veekee James Emerges FORCE OF INFLUENCE 2025.jpg | imagesize = | caption = Veekee James - The Force of Influence 2025 Winner | awarded_for = Outstanding achievements in the social media community | presenter = Trendupp Africa | country = Nigeria / Africa | year = {{start date and age|2021|7|4|df=y}} | website = {{url|https://www.trenduppawards.com/}} {{url|https://www.trendupp.com/}} | description = }}
'''Trendupp Awards''' is an annual awards ceremony that recognizes achievements in the social media community across Nigeria & Africa.<ref>{{Cite news |title=DIGITAL CREATIVES FOR TRENDUPP AWARDS |url=https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2021/06/digital-creatives-for-trendupp-awards/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=28 June 2021 |newspaper=Vanguard|date=28 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kalu |first=Esther |date=2023-06-20 |title=Nigerian social media influencers charging N5m per post – Content Creator, AmaReginald |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/605559-nigerian-social-media-influencers-charging-n5m-per-post-content-creator-amareginald.html |access-date=2023-09-19 |newspaper=Premium Times|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Telegraph |first=New |date=2025-05-31 |title=Trendupp Awards Returns For An Explosive Fifth Edition |url=https://newtelegraphng.com/trendupp-awards-returns-for-an-explosive-fifth-edition/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2025-07-22 |newspaper=New Telegraph|language=en-US}}</ref> It honors content creators, influencers, brands, and organizations that have made notable contributions to the Nigerian & African social media landscape through innovative movements, campaigns, projects, and content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olajide |first=Toyosi |date=2024-06-03 |title=Elsa Majimbo, Ghetto Kids, Endurance Grand, FatboyKenya, Others Nominated As Trendupp Awards Introduce International Category - Brand Communicator |url=https://brandcom.ng/2024/06/03/elsa-majimbo-ghetto-kids-endurance-grand-fatboykenya-others-nominated-as-trendupp-awards-introduce-international-category/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Innovation 2021 l902">{{cite web |date=22 April 2021 |title=Trendupp Awards Announces Calls For Nominations |url=https://techbuild.africa/trendupp-awards-announces-call-for-nominations/ |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=Innovation}}</ref> Trendupp Awards is organized by Trendupp Africa in association with DottsMediaHouse, both organisations founded by Tiwalola Olanubi.<ref name="Vanguard Allure 2022 d883">{{Cite news |date=31 May 2022 |title=Chipper Cash unveiled as Headline Sponsor of Trendupp Awards 2022! Winners to receive $16000 Cash Prize collectively |url=https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2022/05/chipper-cash-unveiled-as-headline-sponsor-of-trendupp-awards-2022-winners-to-receive-16000-cash-prize-collectively/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=5 October 2023 |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>
== History == The Trendupp Awards, themed annually as 'The Force of Influence,' were established in 2021 to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian social media space.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-22 |title=Trendupp Awards Announces Calls For Nominations |url=https://techbuild.africa/trendupp-awards-announces-call-for-nominations/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> These awards primarily recognize content creators, influencers, and brands for their consistent impact on the social media community through content, projects, and engaging campaigns on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mix |first=Pulse |date=2021-04-10 |title=Trendupp announces the maiden edition of Nigeria's Influencers & Content Creators Award |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/metro/trendupp-announces-the-maiden-edition-of-nigerias-influencers-and-content-creators/gmy0xlz |access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|language=en}}</ref> In its inaugural edition in 2021, the awards received approximately 91,000 nominations across sixteen categories, with 96 nominees and sixteen winners. The event garnered a virtual audience of over a hundred thousand attendees from across Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trendupp Africa awards set to reward positive use of social media. |url=https://radionigerialagos.gov.ng/trendupp-africa-awards-set-to-reward-positive-use-of-social-media/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Radio Nigeria Lagos |date=29 April 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> The first edition was hosted by Timini Egbuson.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-07 |title=Broda Shaggi Bagged an Award at the Trendupp Awards – BlueprintAfric |url=https://blueprintafric.com/pop/broda-shaggi-bagged-an-award-at-the-trendupp-awards/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |language=en}}</ref>
The second edition took place on Sunday, June 12th, 2022, at the Monarch event center in Lekki, Lagos. Content creator, influencer, and TV host Kie Kie hosted the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-09 |title=Kiekie To Host Trendupp Awards – Brand Communicator |url=https://brandcom.ng/2022/06/kiekie-to-host-trendupp-awards/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> The host generated headlines when she appeared to fall off the stage during the awards, later revealed to be a prank.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edeme |first=Victoria |date=2022-06-13 |title=Comedienne Kie Kie says 'fall' at award show, a prank |url=https://punchng.com/comedienne-kie-kie-says-fall-at-award-show-a-prank/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US}}</ref> Winners of the second edition received $1000 cash prizes, while the winner of the "emerging force" category, the only voting category, received a cash prize of $1,500.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Macaroni, Lasisi Elenu, Miss Techy, Others Emerge Winners at Trendupp Awards 2022|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/06/17/macaroni-lasisi-elenu-miss-techy-others-emerge-winners-at-trendupp-awards-2022 |access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=This Day|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=LAWORE |first1=MUTIAT |last2=Telegraph |first2=New |date=2022-06-18 |title=Trendupp Awards 2022: Lasisi Elenu, Kiekie, Aproko Doctor, others emerge winners |url=https://newtelegraphng.com/trendupp-awards-2022-lasisi-elenu-kiekie-aproko-doctor-others-emerge-winners/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=New Telegraph|language=en-US}}</ref>
The third edition was held on Sunday, July 9th, 2023, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The edition received over 200,000 nominations across sixteen categories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaccheus |first=Ukhueleigbe |date=2023-06-08 |title=Trendupp Awards Unveil 2023 Coveted List of Nominees: The Force Of |url=https://brandspurng.com/2023/06/08/trendupp-awards-unveil-2023-coveted-list-of-nominees-the-force-of-influence-category-to-win-a-brand-new-car/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> Mikano Motors presented a brand new car to the "Force of Influence" Winner, Mr. Macaroni.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muaz |first=Hassan |date=2023-07-10 |title=Mr Macaroni gets brand-new car at award {{!}} |url=https://theeagleonline.com.ng/mr-macaroni-gets-brand-new-car-at-award/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=The Eagle Online |language=en-GB}}</ref> Other partners included Pepsi Nigeria, McVitie’s Nigeria, Tramango, and Cliqki Technologies, with media partners such as MTV Base and more.<ref>{{Cite web |last=YNaija |date=2023-06-28 |title=Glamorous Reception of Trendupp Awards 2023 Nominees: Sheggz, Phyna, Sydney Talker, Taaooma, Kie Kie, and More receive Nomination Certificates » YNaija |url=https://ynaija.com/glamorous-reception-of-trendupp-awards-2023-nominees-sheggz-phyna-sydney-talker-taaooma-kie-kie-and-more-receive-nomination-certificates/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=YNaija |language=en-GB}}</ref> Past winners include Broda Shaggi, Anita Natacha Akide, Ikorodu Bois, Lasisi Elenu, Taaooma, Benjamin Hundeyin, Mark Angel, Fisayo Fosudo, Amazing Klef, Denola Grey, Aproko Doctor, Phyna, and Sheggz, all of whom have made significant contributions to the Nigerian social media landscape.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BBNaija's Phyna, Sheggz win big at award ceremony |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/bbnaijas-phyna-sheggz-win-big-at-award-ceremony/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=10 July 2023 |newspaper=The Nation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Aktivated Vision: How Amazing Klef is Changing the Game in Photography and Beyond"|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/02/17/aktivated-vision-how-amazing-klef-is-changing-the-game-in-photography-and-beyond/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |newspaper=This Day}}</ref>
The fourth and fifth edition held on Sunday, July 7th, 2024 <ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners at the Recently Concluded Trendupp Awards 2024 – The Lagos Weekender |url=https://thelagosweekender.com/winners-at-the-recently-concluded-trendupp-awards-2024/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |language=en-GB}}</ref> and July 13th, 2025 <ref>{{Cite news |last=Telegraph |first=New |date=2025-07-19 |title=Trendupp Awards 2025: Peller, Veekee James, Others Emerge Winners |url=https://newtelegraphng.com/trendupp-awards-2025-peller-veekee-james-others-emerge-winners/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2025-07-22 |newspaper=New Telegraph|language=en-US}}</ref> at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. With TV Host Kie Kie returning as host both times. As part of the activities leading up to the fifth edition and in celebration of the milestone edition, a free masterclass tagged TrenduppX <ref>{{Cite web |last=Communicator |first=Brand |date=2025-07-07 |title=Trendupp Africa, Lagos State Government Trains Over 200 Aspiring Creators, Influencers - Brand Communicator |url=https://brandcom.ng/2025/07/07/trendupp-africa-lagos-state-government-trains-over-200-aspiring-creators-influencers/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Government (Tourism, Arts and Culture) where over 200 aspiring creators were empowered and equipped with insights, tools, cash prizes to support their journey as a creator.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-08 |title=Trendupp Africa Trains Over 200 Aspiring Creators and Influencers in Collaboration with Lagos State Government |url=https://www.mediaroomhub.com/trendupp-africa-trains-over-200-aspiring-creators-and-influencers-in-collaboration-with-lagos-state-government/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Media Room Hub |language=en-GB}}</ref> At the 2025 main event, creators like Veekee James, Tomike Adeoye, Peller & Jadrolita, Folagade Banks, Liquorose etc all emerged as part of the FORCES OF 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brief |first=The Creative |title=Trendupp Awards 2025 Cements Africa's Digital Creators as Powerhouses of Culture & Commerce |url=https://www.thecreativebrief.africa/p/trendupp-awards-2025-cements-africas |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=www.thecreativebrief.africa |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolawa |first=Pelumi |date=2025-07-14 |title=FULL LIST: Veekee James, Pooja, Peller win big at 2025 Trendupp Awards |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/full-list-veekee-james-pooja-peller-win-big-at-2025-trendupp-awards/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |newspaper=TheCable|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Rules ===
The Trendupp Awards employ a no-voting system, with winners selected each year by a jury of industry leaders, headed by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaccheus |first=Ukhueleigbe |date=2023-06-08 |title=Trendupp Awards Unveil 2023 Coveted List of Nominees: The Force Of |url=https://brandspurng.com/2023/06/08/trendupp-awards-unveil-2023-coveted-list-of-nominees-the-force-of-influence-category-to-win-a-brand-new-car/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> Winners in each category are determined by the jury based on three criteria: creativity, consistency, and engagement. Nominations are open to the general public for the first three editions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-18 |title=Trendupp Awards Calls For Nominations For Third Edition – Brand Communicator |url=https://brandcom.ng/2023/04/trendupp-awards-calls-for-nominations-for-third-edition/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Categories == === Force of Influence === The Force of Influence is a prominent category in the Trendupp Awards, recognizing the influencer or content creator who had the greatest impact on the Nigerian social media space during the relevant year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partner |date=2023-07-11 |title=Layi Wasabi, Mr Macaroni and Others Emerge Winners at Trendupp Awards 2023 |url=https://www.zikoko.com/announcements/layi-wasabi-mr-macaroni-and-others-emerge-winners-at-trendupp-awards-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Zikoko! |language=en-US}}</ref> Iyabo Ojo was the first winner of this category, Mr. Macaroni won this award in the second and third editions. In 2023, the organizers presented the category winner with a brand new car.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2023-07-10 |title=Mr Macaroni Wins Influencer Awards |url=https://guardian.ng/life/whatsnew-entertainment-celebrity-gist-and-so-on/mr-macaroni-wins-influencer-awards/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-10 |title=Skit maker Mr Macaroni gets car gift at award ceremony |url=https://community.thenationonlineng.net/forum/skit-maker-mr-macaroni-gets-car-gift-at-award-ceremony |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-09-19 |newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> Kie Kie emerged the category winner in 2024,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ige |first=Rotimi |date=2024-07-12 |title=Kiekie emerges as ‘Force of Influence’, clinches biggest award at Trendupp Awards 2024 |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/kiekie-emerges-as-force-of-influence-clinches-biggest-award-at-trendupp-awards-2024/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |newspaper=Nigerian Tribune|language=en-GB}}</ref> While Veekee James beat five (5) other leading creators to emerge winner in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-16 |title=VeeKee James Emerges Trendupp Awards - Force of Influence 2025 Winner |url=https://www.mediaroomhub.com/veekee-james-emerges-trendupp-awards-force-of-influence-2025-winner/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Media Room Hub |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Other categories === The Trendupp Awards feature several additional categories:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-28 |title=Trendupp Awards 2022 Nominations officially kick off – Mobility Nigeria Tech Blog |url=https://mobility.com.ng/trendupp-awards-2022-nominations-news/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |date=2023-07-12 |title="Trend Upp" Awards The Finest Influencers and Content Creators in Nigeria 2023 {{!}} Our Review |url=https://tooxclusive.com/trend-upp-awards-the-finest-influencers-and-content-creators-in-nigeria-2023-our-review/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=tooXclusive |language=en-US}}</ref>
* The Force of YouTube * The Force of TikTok<ref>{{Cite web |last=nairadiary |date=2023-07-10 |title=Softmadeit Wins The Force of TikTok At Trendupp Awards 2023 |url=https://nairadiary.com/softmadeit-wins-the-force-of-tiktok-at-trendupp-awards-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Naira Diary |language=en-US}}</ref> * The Force of Twitter<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-15 |title=FULL LIST: Pamilerin, Tunde Onakoya, Mr Macaroni shine at 2022 Trendupp Awards |url=http://lifestyle.thecable.ng/full-list-pamilerin-tunde-onakoya-mr-macaroni-shine-at-2022-trendupp-awards/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=TheCable|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nwosu |first=Philip |date=2022-06-17 |title=Brand Influencer, Pamilerin Adegoke wins Twitter award |url=https://sunnewsonline.com/brand-influencer-pamilerin-adegoke-wins-twitter-award/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-09-16 |newspaper=The Sun|language=en}}</ref> * The Force of Instagram * The Force of Virality <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-28 |title=Trendupp Awards 2025: Peller X Jadrolita, Liquorose, Opeyemi Famakin, Tomike, JayOnAir Among Winners |url=https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/07/trendupp-awards-2025-peller-x-jadrolita.html |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Brand Icon Image - Latest Brand, Tech and Business News |language=en}}</ref> * The Force of Food Content * The Force of Online Sensation<ref>{{Cite news |last=PM News Nigeria |title=Trendupp Awards: Sheggz, Phyna win top honours |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/07/10/trendupp-awardssheggz-phyna-win-top-honours/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=10 July 2023 |newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref> * The Force of Social Good * The Force of Tech * The Force of Comedy Skits * The Force of Blogging * The Force of Lifestyle Content * The Force of Creative Arts<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aktivated Vision: How Amazing Klef is Changing the Game in Photography and Beyond"|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/02/17/aktivated-vision-how-amazing-klef-is-changing-the-game-in-photography-and-beyond |access-date=2023-09-19 |newspaper=This Day|language=en}}</ref> * The Force of Wellness<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chude Jideonwo |url=https://alinstitute.org/2018-fellows/chude-jideonwo |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=alinstitute.org}}</ref> * The Force of Collaboration * Emerging Force * Force of Influence (Regional)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ayodele |first=Racheal |date=2025-06-18 |title=Tunde Onakoya, Priscilla Ojo, Peller, Bimbo Ademoye nominated for 2025 Trendupp Awards [Full list] |url=https://dailypost.ng/2025/06/18/tunde-onakoya-priscilla-ojo-peller-bimbo-ademoye-nominated-for-2025-trendupp-awards-full-list/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2025-07-22 |newspaper=Daily Post|language=en-US}}</ref> * Force of Influence (Nigeria)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolawa |first=Pelumi |date=2025-07-14 |title=FULL LIST: Veekee James, Pooja, Peller win big at 2025 Trendupp Awards |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/full-list-veekee-james-pooja-peller-win-big-at-2025-trendupp-awards/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |newspaper=TheCable|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Ceremonies == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Edition !Date !Venue !Biggest Category Winner !Sponsor/ Partner !Ref |- |1st |July 4th, 2021 |Marriot Hotel |Iyabo Ojo - Force of Influence, 2021 |Pepsi |<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-07-06 |title=Erica Nlewedim, Denola Grey, Tolani Alli, Instablog9ja, Ikorodu Bois, Tacha, others…emerge winners at Trendupp Awards 2021 » YNaija |url=https://ynaija.com/erica-nlewedim-denola-grey-tolani-alli-instablog9ja-ikorodu-bois-tacha-othersemerge-winners-at-trendupp-awards-2021/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=YNaija |language=en-GB}}</ref> |- |2nd |June 12th, 2022 |Monarch Event Centre |Mr Macaroni - Force of Influence, 2022 |Chipper Cash & Pepsi |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Macaroni, Lasisi Elenu, Miss Techy, Others Emerge Winners at Trendupp Awards 2022|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/06/17/macaroni-lasisi-elenu-miss-techy-others-emerge-winners-at-trendupp-awards-2022 |access-date=2023-09-15 |newspaper=This Day|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=CHIPPER CASH UNVEILED AS HEADLINE SPONSOR OF TRENDUPP AWARDS 2022! WINNERS TO RECEIVE $16000 CASH PRIZE COLLECTIVELY |url=https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2022/05/chipper-cash-unveiled-as-headline-sponsor-of-trendupp-awards-2022-winners-to-receive-16000-cash-prize-collectively/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601172550/https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2022/05/chipper-cash-unveiled-as-headline-sponsor-of-trendupp-awards-2022-winners-to-receive-16000-cash-prize-collectively/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |access-date=19 September 2023 |newspaper=Vanguard|date=31 May 2022 }}</ref> |- |3rd |July 9th, 2023 |Federal Palace Hotel |Mr Macaroni - Force of Influence, 2023 |Mikano Motors & Pepsi |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partner |date=2023-07-11 |title=Layi Wasabi, Mr Macaroni and Others Emerge Winners at Trendupp Awards 2023 |url=https://www.zikoko.com/announcements/layi-wasabi-mr-macaroni-and-others-emerge-winners-at-trendupp-awards-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Zikoko! |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arowolo |first=Solomon |date=2023-07-10 |title=Mr. Macaroni gets car gift |url=https://blueprint.ng/mr-macaroni-gets-car-gift/ |location=Abuja, Nigeria|access-date=2023-09-19 |newspaper=Blueprint|language=en-US}}</ref> |- |4th |July 7th, 2024 |Federal Palace Hotel |Kie Kie - Force of Influence, 2024 |Pepsi |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners at the Recently Concluded Trendupp Awards 2024 – The Lagos Weekender |url=https://thelagosweekender.com/winners-at-the-recently-concluded-trendupp-awards-2024/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |language=en-GB}}</ref> |- |5th |July 13th, 2025 |Federal Palace Hotel |Veekee James - Force of Influence, 2025 |Pepsi, Sycamore & Lagos State Government |<ref>{{Cite web |last=tosan |date=2025-07-15 |title=Influencers, Content Creators Win Big at 5th Trendupp Awards, Lagos Nigeria |url=https://trendyafrica.com/influencers-content-creators-win-big-at-5th-trendupp-awards-lagos-nigeria/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Trendy Africa |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Communicator |first=Brand |date=2025-07-07 |title=Trendupp Africa, Lagos State Government Trains Over 200 Aspiring Creators, Influencers - Brand Communicator |url=https://brandcom.ng/2025/07/07/trendupp-africa-lagos-state-government-trains-over-200-aspiring-creators-influencers/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links == * [https://www.trenduppawards.com/ Official website]
Category:Award ceremonies Category:Nigerian awards